WILMINGTON — Joyce MacKain, age 90, passed away peacefully January 15, 2025, in Wilmington NC.
She was born to sing on March 15, 1934 in Kewanee, Illinois as Joyce Alvina Wetzel, and sing she did, until her last few days. Many people knew Joyce during her 63 years in Fullerton, California, where she and husband David MacKain moved after graduating from the University of Norther Illinois to teach junior high school, raise a family, and make beautiful music—a lot of it.
Joyce, or “Joy” as she was aptly called, was a funny, playful, loving, mom to Bonnie, Sally and Wendy. She was a devoted friend, and a lifelong member of P.E.O. Chapter Y. Together with that Sisterhood, Joyce helped raise funds for women’s scholarships each year by donating for auction hilarious, personalized songs for donors’ answering machines—for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion. Many also knew Joyce through choir and fellowship at the Fullerton First United Methodist Church where she sang soprano, and through musical theater with the Fullerton Civic Light Opera.
She was a voracious reader, a gifted listener, open minded, full of love, and she connected naturally on a deep level with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Joyce was no pushover and would fiercely stand up for people who had been wronged. She also had a devious sense of humor, which could sometimes surprise people in the best way.
Joyce was predeceased by her husband David MacKain, daughter Wendy (Gerhold), on-in- law Robert Cutting, nephew Steven Hepner, and sisters Eileen and Shirl. Her love shines on through daughters Bonnie and Sally MacKain, sons-in-law Bill Feuer and John Gerhold, and grandchildren Paula (Megan) and Kelly Gerhold, and David and Henry Cutting. Joyce adored her nieces Trisha Hepner, Cindy Looney, and Kris and Karen MacKain and nephews Steven (deceased) and Brandon Hepner. Joyce moved to North Carolina in 2018 just in time for Hurricane Florence, to be with daughter Sally and son-in-law Bob Cutting who cared for and enjoyed her in her later years.
Special thanks to best friend forever Shirley Wooldridge, true blue neighbors Tom and Pat Hamilton of Fullerton, and to the wonderful teams at Bradley Creek Health Center and Lower Cape Fear Hospice-especially volunteer Stephanie Smith- who all provided boundless, loving care.
Joyce MacKain was well loved by so many over many years. Her gifts to us–her voice, creativity and compassion–truly made the world a more beautiful place.
